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Seeking advice for an acquaintance living in a space-challanged Manhattan apartment.

I've prevailed upon my friend to set a budget that shouldn't result in regrets (she's actually a pretty decent pianist). She's looking for a grand, as she prefers the action over that of an upright. 5'6" would be really pushing things (she'd need a shoehorn) -- 5'3" would be optimally sized. You'd have to see the room to know what I mean.

We went shopping, and looked at an RX-1 (very nice), a C-1 ("ok" but not as pleasing as the RX-1), a 5'3" Knabe (she liked the tone and action of this one a lot) and a Mason B (she really liked that one, but wasn't comfortable with the mid-20's price tag). She's also interested in trying a Pramberger Platinum, a Sohmer and perhaps a Brodmann (although she thinks the Brodmann looks too "institutional" with the lettering on the side, etc.).

If she had to choose today, it would be between the RX-1 and the Knabe. Any advice on these or others we should be considering? (Yes, she has purchased and read the Piano Book and latest supplement.)

Many thanks.

If it weren't for budget, Mason B hands down IMHO. Can she come up in her budget at all?

Horowitzian -- Thanks for your reply. She and I both agree on the Mason, at least among the candidates tested thus far. However, she's retired, and like so many of us, impacted by this horrible market. I think she's stretching a bit to come up with the $15K, but a stretch she can and will want to live with.

She can't move/remove/rearrange a piece or two of furniture to make room for a bigger piano?

Maybe go used? Or is she wanting new only?

She's already doing that to make room for a grand of any size. This apartment is a shoebox, believe me. A 5 footer will look oversized for the living room, dining room, office, entry way, "great room" the piano will be in.

We will definitely keep our eyes opened for a used piano in excellent condition as well. Thanks.

It's easy to recommend the Mason...clearly the superior piano, but when you're talking about thousands more....

How bad does she want it? enough to overrule the realities of her budget?

For a new piano, with the stated budget, I'd vote for the RX-1.

But in your area you should be able to find some great used pianos....

You're in NYC, I'm sure there are many more Masons you can look at. A slightly used Mason will fit right in her price range. Unless it was heavily and in continuous use, a piano a few years old is completely indistinguishable from a brand new piano, except for the price. In the long lifespan of a piano, a couple of years is just a blip, but will save your friend thousands. I urge your friend to look for lightly used Masons. If she is adamant about a new piano the Kawai is very pleasant - she can't go wrong with that.

Did you try a search at PianoMart?

Here's one example, a 2002 Boston for 12.5K:
http://www.pianomart.com/ViewAds.aspx?type=1&manufacturer=10&piano=7632

Find a gently used Baldwin M. You won't find a better piano at 5' 2".

Steven

I know you said 5'3", but this seems like a very attractive deal. My only wonder is how it could have sat there since March.

http://www.pianomart.com/ViewAds.aspx?type=1&manufacturer=25&piano=7359

Obviously my opinion is biased, but the Kawai RX-1 gives you a lot of bang for the buck.

Kawai info: www.kawaius.com

Best of luck with your search.

Cordially,

Bear

She's already doing that to make room for a grand of any size. This apartment is a shoebox, believe me. A 5 footer will look oversized for the living room, dining room, office, entry way, "great room" the piano will be in.
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Of course, you know her "shoebox" better than we do but just bear in mind that pianos actually look smaller than you might think once they're situated in the room.

When my piano first arrived, it seemed to dominate, and even overwhelm, the room. But after a few days or weeks, I no longer remember, it somehow shrunk. Now I'm wondering whether I should have stepped up to a 7-footer. I only read about this "shrinking" phenomenon on Piano World after the purchase. Maybe it's just as well since it's possible the sound volume would have been excessive, but it's worth bearing in mind.

NYC Player -- I see you are in investment management. You wouldn't be Clavierman's "hedge fund" buddy with a small home in Greenwich would you?

http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/1/24197.html

no, his profile says he owns a steinway. remember that clavierman said he thought that was far too 'banal.'

If these a real true statements, why doesn't she opt for an excellent upright like the Steingraeber 122?

schwammerl.

The OP stated:

OTOH, a really fine vertical could be an excellent choice where space is tight. But I think the lady prefers a grand action. Not to mention, I'd guess the Steingraeber 122 is out of her budget.

I agree with the Baldwin idea. I like them in general, and for whatever reason there are occasional deals to be found on used ones. In my travels, I played a smaller one (R?) and thought it sounded quite nice for its size.

If one likes the tone and touch of a Knabe, and the price is affordable, why is it the decision clear?

Not knowing anything about Knabe, I played one in a hotel lobby in Italy and was positively surprised. Thought it was a small German brand.... Very good action IMO.

It is nice to have money over to keep the pianio in tune and by sheet music etc.

I'd go for the Knabe too. They have a unique tone that is deeper and rounder than the others.